After graduating from the University of Georgia, Mr. Barrow earned a degree from Harvard University Law School and was the founding partner of a law firm.

Tony Center

Mr. Center grew up in Fairway Oaks, a Savannah suburb that friends describe as a Leave it to Beaver neighborhood.

Jewish children like Mr. Center went to church with Episcopalians one week, and next week the Episcopalians would show up at synagogue, recalls Savannah businessman Arthur Peagler, a lifelong friend.

Mr. Peagler remembers a day that he, Mr. Center and other friends were riding their bikes.

"A couple of bullies were going to beat us up and take our bikes," he said. "Tony stood them down. 'You don't want to do this,' he said. They said, 'Why not?' He said, 'Because God doesn't want you to.' They left us alone."

After attending the University of Georgia Law School, Mr. Center settled in metro Atlanta in 1975 and practiced law. He didn't return to Savannah until 2001.

In 1992, he won the Democratic congressional nomination in an Atlanta-area district but lost to U.S. Rep. Newt Gingrich - later the speaker of the House.

Shortly after returning home, Mr. Center ran against Champ Walker and five others in the Democratic primary in the newly drawn 12th District. He finished third, missing the runoff by 156 votes.

Caine Cortellino

Mr. Cortellino's campaign slogan is "raising Caine," and he likes to bill himself as the "wild card."

"Youth is a positive," he said. "We need innovative and new solutions. I can provide them."

Born and raised in Decatur, Mr. Cortellino summered in Chatham County with his grandmother as a child. He moved to Savannah about a year and a half ago.

The Washington experience consists of about a year as a Capitol lobbyist, doing work for, among others, the city of Savannah.

"I've sat across the table from Max Burns," Mr. Cortellino likes to say. "I have more Washington experience than anyone in this race. I know the legislative process."

He acknowledges that the lack of money is an obstacle. But he cites Otis Johnson's win over better-funded foes in the 2003 Savannah mayoral election and says door-to-door campaigning will make the difference. He says he tries to knock on 80 doors a day.

"When we talk to people face to face, that's worth 10 billboards and TV commercials."

Doug Haines

A former state legislator once wrote a book called What Makes You Think We Read the Bills?

He wasn't talking about Doug Haines.

The 43-year-old environmental lawyer served just one term in the state Senate but is remembered by colleagues as a legislator's legislator.

They saw him at the Capitol as early as 7:30 a.m. and as late as midnight.

"He has a special knack for meeting people and talking to you about a bill and explaining to you how it would help your constituents," said Sen. Ed Harbison, D-Columbus, the chairman of the Georgia Legislative Black Caucus.

Despite his intensity, Mr. Haines was not overly aggressive on the Senate floor, said Sen. Vincent Fort, D-Atlanta.

TONY CENTERAge: 54Address: 414 E. Gordon St., Savannah, GA 31401Education: B.A. in political science, University of Florida, J.D., University of Georgia Law SchoolFamily: Divorced, two grown childrenPolitical background: Long-time party activist, 1992 Democratic nominee for Atlanta-area congressional district, lost to future House Speaker Newt Gingrich; third in a field of seven Democrats in the 12th in 2002 primaryOccupation: Attorney specializing in litigation, communications and international lawWeb site:www.tonycenterforcongress.comCampaign office: (912) 232-1196Three top issues: Education, health, environment